Behind the Bastards: CZm Rewind Part Two – The Rush Limbaugh Episodes with Paul F. Tompkins
Podcast Information:
- Title: Behind the Bastards
- Host/Author: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
- Episode: CZm Rewind: Part Two: The Rush Limbaugh Episodes with Paul F. Tompkins
- Release Date: January 9, 2025
Summary:
In this compelling episode of Behind the Bastards, host Robert Evans delves deep into the life, influence, and legacy of Rush Limbaugh, one of the most polarizing figures in American media history. Joined by comedian Paul F. Tompkins and producer Sophie, the episode offers a scathing critique of Limbaugh's role in shaping modern conservatism, his blatant hypocrisy, and his enduring impact on American politics and society.
1. The Rise of Rush Limbaugh and the Fairness Doctrine
Robert Evans begins by contextualizing Rush Limbaugh's emergence as a radio powerhouse following the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine in 1987. This doctrine had previously required broadcasters to present balanced views on controversial issues, fostering a more unified media ecosystem.
Key Points:
- Fairness Doctrine Repeal: The abolition of this policy paved the way for the rise of partisan media outlets, allowing hosts like Limbaugh to dominate without opposition.
- Limbaugh’s Opportunistic Rise: Limbaugh capitalized on the void left by the doctrine's repeal, presenting himself as the unequivocal voice of conservatism.
Notable Quote:
“Rush Limbaugh was aware from the beginning that his whole career hinged on the Fairness Doctrine's death.” – Robert Evans [02:01]
2. Limbaugh’s Manipulation of Conservatism
Evans and Tompkins discuss how Limbaugh transformed American conservatism from a set of political beliefs into a culture of antagonism against liberals. Limbaugh's strategy focused on "owning the libs," a tactic that emphasized personal attacks over substantive policy discussions.
Key Points:
- Shift in Conservatism: From advocating for smaller government and business-friendly policies to engaging in personal vendettas against perceived liberal enemies.
- Cult of Personality: Limbaugh's show was less about policy and more about his persona, creating a loyal following that echoed his sentiments unquestioningly.
Notable Quote:
“The core of Rush Limbaugh's actual ideology was owning the libs. His conservatism was built entirely around attacking the other.” – Robert Evans [16:32]
3. Hypocrisy and Personal Failings
A significant portion of the episode highlights Limbaugh's personal hypocrisy, especially regarding his stance on drug use. Despite vehemently advocating for the criminalization of drug addicts and dealers, Limbaugh himself was embroiled in a legal battle over opioid addiction.
Key Points:
- Anti-Drug Rhetoric vs. Personal Addiction: Limbaugh publicly condemned drug use while privately battling addiction, leading to charges of hypocrisy.
- Legal Consequences: His housekeeper exposed his drug dealings, resulting in charges that were ultimately dismissed through a plea deal, allowing him to continue his career unscathed.
Notable Quote:
“Rush Limbaugh repeatedly called addicts junkies and suggested that drug dealers deserved death for their crimes. While he enthusiastically supported the drug war and the use of the carceral state to lock up mostly black men for selling drugs, Rush Limbaugh was actively trafficking huge amounts of opiate painkillers.” – Robert Evans [52:41]
4. Attacks on the Clintons and Conspiracy Theories
Evans critiques Limbaugh's relentless attacks on Bill and Hillary Clinton, accusing them of various conspiracies without substantial evidence. This demonization laid the groundwork for the widespread acceptance of baseless conspiracy theories within the Republican base.
Key Points:
- Demonization Without Basis: Limbaugh propagated unfounded claims about the Clintons, fostering a culture of distrust and animosity.
- Mainstreaming Conspiracy Theories: By bringing fringe theories into mainstream discourse, Limbaugh normalized extremist viewpoints within conservative circles.
Notable Quotes:
“Rush Limbaugh wasn't the first person to talk about the gay agenda or to oppose single motherhood, but before him, the most prominent voices attacking these groups were on the religious right.” – Robert Evans [28:56]
“Vince Foster was murdered in an apartment owned by Hillary Clinton and the body was taken to Fort Marcy Park.” – Robert Evans [53:34]
5. Influence on the Republican Party and the Path to Trump
The episode explores Limbaugh's pivotal role in shaping the modern Republican Party, aligning closely with figures like Newt Gingrich and indirectly paving the way for Donald Trump's rise. Limbaugh's emphasis on emotional, tribal warfare over policy coherence created a fragmented and confrontational political landscape.
Key Points:
- Political Leadership: Limbaugh was not just a media figure but an influential political leader whose endorsements and rhetoric swayed Republican strategies.
- Shift Toward Populism: His support for figures like Trump marked a shift towards populist and nationalist sentiments within the party.
Notable Quote:
“Limbaugh was effectively the leader of the Republican Party, co-captaining the Republican revolution with House leader Newt Gingrich.” – Robert Evans [73:14]
6. Legacy and the Cult of Hate
In the final segments, Evans discusses Limbaugh's enduring legacy, particularly his influence on extremist groups and the rise of neo-Nazi ideologies. Limbaugh's rhetoric provided a blueprint for hate groups to mainstream their extremist views under the guise of conservative ideology.
Key Points:
- Enduring Hate: Extremist groups like the Daily Shoah idolized Limbaugh, viewing him as a pioneer who legitimized their hateful ideologies.
- Normalization of Extreme Views: By framing hate and bigotry as legitimate political stances, Limbaugh facilitated the spread of fascist ideas within American society.
Notable Quotes:
“Chris Cantwell openly sees Rush Limbaugh as the man who invented his style of content, who made his career possible.” – Robert Evans [94:16]
“Rush Limbaugh was unquestionably the single most influential American conservative from about 1989 to at least 2008.” – Robert Evans [78:14]
7. Conclusion: The Death and Aftermath
The episode concludes with Limbaugh's death, reflecting on his unrepentant legacy and the continued mourning by extremist factions. Evans and Tompkins express a mix of frustration and relief, acknowledging the deep scars Limbaugh left on American discourse.
Key Points:
- Impact of Limbaugh's Death: His passing did not diminish his influence but rather underscored the entrenched ideologies he helped propagate.
- Continuing Struggles: The episode emphasizes the ongoing challenge of combating the toxic culture Limbaugh fostered within parts of the American right.
Notable Quote:
“Rush Limbaugh was a cult leader. His legacy is a tragically distorted understanding of conservatism, driven by hate and personal vendettas.” – Robert Evans [99:24]
Conclusion:
This episode of Behind the Bastards offers a thorough and critical examination of Rush Limbaugh's life and influence. Through incisive analysis and poignant commentary, Robert Evans and Paul F. Tompkins uncover the layers of hypocrisy, bigotry, and manipulation that defined Limbaugh's career. The discussion not only sheds light on his personal failings but also on the broader implications of his legacy on American politics and societal divisions.
Notable Additional Quotes:
-
On Media Influence:
“He was saying very clearly, yeah, what the deal is. This is fucking unbelievable.” – Robert Evans [23:47]
-
On Conservatism and Violence:
“Conservatism is owning the libs. That's where we are now.” – Robert Evans [17:55]
-
On Loyalty and Resistance:
“Joe Walsh... proves that he is not a fascist.” – Robert Evans [84:39]
References:
- Transcript excerpts are cited with corresponding timestamps for accuracy and context.
- Quotes from external sources like Rolling Stone and Mother Jones are integrated to support key points.
Final Thoughts: Behind the Bastards successfully navigates the complex and often troubling legacy of Rush Limbaugh, presenting a narrative that challenges listeners to critically assess the figures who shape our societal values and political landscapes.